Objectives: To determine trends in HIV and risk behaviors among street-recruited gay and bisexual male injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco from 1988 to 2000. Methods: IDUs were recruited using targeted sampling methods semi-annually, interviewed using a standard instrument and tested for HIV. Trends in HIV and risk behaviors were calculated and compared for gay/bisexual (n=1,521) and heterosexual male IDUs (n=10,681) over 24 semi-annual cross-sections. Results: HIV seroprevalence among gay/bisexual IDUs decreased from upper-30% range in 1988 to the mid-20% range in 1996, and then began to increase to the upper-30% range in 2000. HIV prevalence among heterosexual male IDUs remained stable at approximately 10% throughout the period. For gay/bisexual IDUs, injection and sex-related HIV risk declined throughout the study period. However, at the final data point, nearly 37% of gay/bisexual IDUs were reporting syringe sharing, 23% reported giving previously used syringes to other IDUs, 42% reported multiple sex partners, and nearly 25% reported unprotected anal sex in the last 6 months. Conclusions: Gay/bisexual men who inject drugs continue to be at elevated risk for HIV, suggesting that specific interventions will be required to reach this population. See itsa.ucsf.edu/~uhs
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess the trends in HIV prevalence among gay/bisexual IDUs in San Francisco over a 12 year period. 2. Identify trends in HIV risk behaviors among this population. 3. Prioritize HIV prevention needs.
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Gay Men
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.